Neutering could help wandering dog

Dear Cathy: My husband picked up a stray dog lying by a curb near a major intersection several months ago. He looked traumatized. He has since become a part of our family. He now has tags, shots and is on heartworm prevention meds. There is only one problem with this dog. He leaves the backyard while we are gone during the day. He picks up stuff from who knows where and scatters it all over the front yard. We're tired and nervous to come home and find things in our yard. He does keep possums and raccoons out of our backyard at night. We live in the city and are aware of the leash law. Will neutering help? I know that's next, but we have other pets that utilize vet care.

Ang

Dear Ang: Yes, neutering him may prevent him from wanting to leave the yard. A male dog can smell a female dog in heat a mile away, so every day that your dog gets out is another day he may be adding to our pet population in San Antonio. You can find low-cost spay/neuter services at SpaySA (210-351-7729) or SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program) (210-673-7722).

Next, reinforce gates and fences so he can't get out of your yard. Otherwise, he may leave one day and never return home, which is likely what happened with his previous family. As you note, there are leash laws, so your dog could get picked up by Animal Care Services (ACS) one day and there is always the risk he could get hurt, like being hit by a car, or could hurt someone else during one of these excursions. In addition to neutering him, I wish you could keep him inside when you are gone, as that will instantly solve his wandering problems.

Dear Jan: I am glad to mention it. Anyone can be a hero to a homeless pet by opening their home to foster care. Contact ACS at ACSrescuefoster@sanantonio.gov or SAPA at fostermarketing@sanantoniopetsalive.org for more information.

The Animal Defense League (ADL) will host a “Tips and Tails: Education for Pet Owners” program Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 to 11 a.m. Come join me for a book reading and humane education program for kids on how to care for your pets. While kids learn how to meet and greet pets, parents can learn some basic dog training skills, specifically how to teach their dogs “sit” and “down” commands.